NSCN-IM issues ‘Statement on the Position of Talks’

Mokokchung, 8 December (MTNews): The National Socialist Council of Nagalim (NSCN-IM) on Friday released a statement shedding light on the historical context and the subsequent talks with the Government of India that have led to the current impasse on the Indo-Naga political issue.

It was also informed that the last round of formal talk between the NSCN-IM and the GoI took place on 14 November 2023 in Delhi and that, regrettably, it was inconclusive but not “deadlocked.”

The NSCN-IM in the press release issued by its MIP emphasized the inadequacy of previous agreements, such as the “16-point memorandum” and the “Shillong Accord,” in addressing the complex Indo-Naga political problem. “These infamous agreements could not solve the problem because they were not issue-based solutions,” it said. Recognizing the need for a more comprehensive approach, the Government of India initiated political talks with NSCN leaders, it said.

The initial talks, which took place in Paris on June 12, 1995, laid the foundation for a Cease-Fire Agreement announced on August 1, 1997. This agreement, based on three mutually agreed terms, marked a crucial step in the peace process and received international acclaim.

The statement highlighted the acknowledgment by past Indian Prime Ministers, including Indira Gandhi, Rajiv Gandhi, Deve Gowda, VP Singh, and Chandra Shekhar, of the urgency in finding a lasting political solution to the Indo-Naga issue.

A pivotal moment occurred during the tenure of Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee and Deputy Prime Minister LK Advani in 2002 when the Government of India “formally recognized the unique history and situation of the Nagas on July 11, 2002 at Amsterdam.”

It was also mentioned that the Congress-led UPA government headed by the then Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh proposed the concept of ‘shared sovereignty and co-existence of the two entities.’

The NSCN-IM underscored the historical significance of the Framework Agreement signed on August 3, 2015, in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other key officials. The agreement reaffirms the unique history and position of the Nagas, emphasizing concepts of shared sovereignty and co-existence, it said.

However, the NSCN-IM expressed disappointment with the incumbent representative of the Indian government, accusing them of interpreting the Framework Agreement solely from the perspective of the Indian constitution and interests. This has led to disagreements on issues such as the Naga national flag and constitution, it said.

It cited the lack of sincerity on the part of the Indian government as a significant obstacle, creating a trust deficit and disillusionment among the people.

The NSCN-IM emphasized the resilience of the Naga national movement and called upon the Indian government to address the concerns raised, keeping in mind the historic Framework Agreement as the foundation for a lasting peace in the Indian sub-continent. The ball is now in the court of the Government of India, as the fate of the Indo-Naga talks hangs in the balance.

(Read full text hereAMP)